Description
Our paper investigates government responses to combat hate music, focusing on White power music and its associated merchandise, which represent some of the most visible forms of right-wing extremist propaganda. The term White power identifies the music’s ideology and signals affiliations with various underground, nationalist, and internationalist movements. Spanning multiple genres—from punk and metal to folk—the music has been actively used by over 500 bands worldwide to recruit and radicalise young people, supporting both national and transnational extremist groups. With increased internet access and social media, this number continues to grow, enabling extremists to reach broad and diverse audiences across national boundaries.
The research examines how this music and merchandise are marketed to youth through digital platforms. Extremist groups have shifted from closed forums and exclusive mail-order systems to widely accessible online platforms and mainstream digital stores, allowing them to bypass traditional restrictions and reach larger audiences. Despite hate music being illegal in certain countries, it remains readily available to buy, sell, and trade on multiple global platforms, making it easily accessible. With provocative lyrics and merchandise designed to resonate with young people, these sales strategies not only facilitate indoctrination but also provide a primary funding source.
Through comparative analysis, our paper explores how various governments respond to the challenges posed by the global spread of hate music. This includes examining legislative measures such as banning extremist groups and restricting hate music distribution. In addition to these legislative actions, our paper investigates other countermeasures, such as public awareness campaigns and enhanced digital monitoring strategies, to assess their effectiveness in reducing the appeal of hate music among at-risk youth. Our paper aims to provide insights into the comprehensive strategies required to mitigate the ideological and financial impacts of White power music on society.
